“CEIA is not about creating a product or service, but rather CEIA is about creating an idea a philosophy”
Introduction to CEIA
Community Empowerment In Action (CEIA) is a registered Charity and a Company Limited by Guarantee. Based in Telford and Wrekin and governed by a voluntary Board of Directors/Trustees, we are the only dedicated centre in Shropshire that provides services to Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities.
We have developed specialist knowledge, experience and insight into the complex needs of BAME communities and therefore, offer a unique blend of services to BAME communities who need help in accessing their rights, improve their health and wellbeing and in redressing racial discrimination; potentially a model for national.
CEIA was first established in 2001 as Association to redress the unequal access to services experienced by BAME communities in Shropshire and the surrounding areas before registering as a charity in 2010. All projects are singular funded and are dedicated to providing the best service to service users, through high quality advice, community-based interventions and projects, by increasing the availability of culturally sensitive and bi-lingual services & excellent customer care.
CEIA is wholly run by a team of dedicated and committed 96 volunteers and delivers services to approximately 446 people per annum. Our ethos is firmly based on the principles of equal access and anti-racism. On those occasions when we cannot offer such help, we aim wherever possible to direct clients to someone who can.
Celebrating culture and diversity at CEIA
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Our Services
CEIA is currently running many successful projects within Telford which are health-related and/or incorporate advice or support for vulnerable groups through health and wellbeing projects and through education and training. As a small charity, we rely on the goodwill and dedication of our volunteers and Community Champions to deliver services to our target market. CEIA`s Community Champions and CEIA`s bank of volunteers, are the backbone of each of our project.
Over the years CEIA has had a particular focus on working with young people from deprived and/or vulnerable groups to reduce crime in statistically high crime areas and to promote human rights standards by providing such groups with options to improve their quality of life, by designing and developing a unique blend of services that tackle issues at grassroot level.
Youth project (5 to 16 years old)
Summer play schemes (5 to 14 years old)
Kids Crafts – Fun for Under 6 years old
Messy Hands (Arts and Crafts) – Under 12
Health and Wellbeing advice workshops
Smoking and Drugs Support Group
Breastfeeding Support Group
Employment support and Beginners English Classes
Health and Wellbeing projects
Wrekin Walk, Gym Project, Swimming Project, Cricket Club, Football Club
Partnership Work
CEIA also provides support and assistance to small Community Groups and Charities in Shropshire, to promote integration and community cohesion . CEIA has been actively involved in developing and maintaining a working relationship between Statutory Bodies and Community Groups to address and tackle problems of neighbourhood and decision making and to provide a solution to issues and challenges faced by community members at grassroot level.
COVID-19 Projects
Educational Transition and Support
For Black, Asian and Monitory Ethnic Communities (Funded by Community Foundation for Staffordshire and National Emergencies Trust (Corona-Virus Appeal)
Aap Ka Saath – Together as one
Funding from the Coronavirus Community Support Fund, distributed by The National Lottery Community Fund, has helped us to deliver Aap Ka Saath (Together As One). Thanks to the Government for making this possible.
Food Support Package
For BAME communities during Half Term
Christmas Hampers
This Christmas help us spread the love and a little Christmas magic amongst the elderly and self-isolated. Christmas is a time for family, a time where everyone can get together to remember the good times, enjoy delicious delights, laugh and play. As we make merry with our friends and family, we forget that our neighbour, or someone down the road, is on their own. So, help us, make this one day special for them, help us spread a bit of magic this Christmas and put a smile on the faces of our senior members of our community. CEIA proposes to deliver 50 Christmas hampers to 50 senior individuals in our community that have no family support or friends.
Find out about Volunteering
Volunteering Opportunities
Employees and volunteers are vital to Community Empowerment In Action (CEIA) and provide the knowledge and expertise to contribute to the charity mission and vision. As we live in a multicultural community and the many different cultures have strengthened and contributed much to UK society – socially, economically, and culturally, CEIA is therefore, committed to invest in the recruitment, orientation, training, evaluation, recognition, and resources to support volunteer development. Should you wish to volunteer for CEIA, please complete the online form and we will contact you to arrange for an interview.
The heart of a volunteer is not measured in size, but by the depth of the commitment to make a difference in the lives of others. (DeAnn Hollis)
See what our volunteers think:
Qasim
Volunteer
“My name is Qasim and I have been volunteering for CEIA for a number of years. I used to attend CEIA`s youth project and when I was 18 years old, I started to volunteer for CEIA, as a youth mentor. By being part of CEIA`s volunteer network, this has opened up ample opportunity for me and has inspired me to give back to the community that I live in. The opportunity and support that I have received from CEIA has empowered me to stay away from anti-social behaviour and criminal activities. I am now studying Law at the University of Wolverhampton and hope to continue to volunteer for CEIA part-time.”
“My name is Mariah and I am a Community Champion for CEIA. As a young Asian woman, I have faced many barriers (cultural and social barriers), which had an adverse impact on my confidence and self-esteem. Since being a Community Champion for CEIA, I have developed my confidence and am now studying for a bachelor’s degree. As a Community Champion for CEIA, I wish to empower other Asian women in my community and provide them with the opportunity to be able to break through the cultural and social barriers; to empower them to step outside their comfort zone and to achieve their dreams. Thank you CEIA.”
Mariah
Community Champion
Get in Touch. Get Involved.
